Sabrent Rocket nano V2 External SSD Review: Phison U18 in a Solid Offering 🚀
Sabrent's Rocket nano V2 delivers on its promise of up to 1,500 MB/s speeds in a palm‑sized, pocketable design. Packed with Phison’s native U18 controller and 128‑layer SK hynix TLC NAND, this drive offers excellent value for creatives, professionals, and enthusiasts.
🔧 Key Specs & Build
Controller: Phison PS2251‑18 (U18), native USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps) (TweakTown)
NAND: SK hynix 128L 3‑bit TLC – attractive TLC over QLC even in the 4 TB model (AnandTech)
Sequential Performance: Up to ~1,600/1,500 MB/s (R/W) (Tom's Hardware, PCWorld)
Form Factor: 72 × 32 × 14 mm; ~50–54 g, with aluminum body plus silicone cover (Sabrent)
Capacity & Warranty: Available in 1/2/4 TB sizes; up to five years with registration (Sabrent)
📊 Real‑World Performance
Sustained writes shine
In AnandTech’s stress tests, the nano V2 maintained ~800 MB/s throughout 90% of its capacity—with temps held at a cool 61 °C—outpacing competitors like the PNY EliteX‑PRO, which throttled earlier (AnandTech).
Good burst & random speeds
CrystalDiskMark and ATTO tests revealed strong random I/O and sequential speeds peaking around 1.5 GB/s. Real‑world transfers (e.g. 450 GB) held around 750 MB/s even post buffer fill (AnandTech).
Balanced power usage
With idle power at ~0.76 W and slower sleep responsiveness (~50 min), it’s slightly more power-hungry than some peers—an acceptable compromise for desktop usage (AnandTech).
🛡️ Design & Durability
Build: CNC‑machined aluminum core with silicone sleeve; sleek yet rugged (Sabrent)
Portability: Measures about the size of three SD cards; includes both USB‑C↔C & C↔A cables (Sabrent)
Thermals: Excellent heat dissipation thanks to metal shell—no thermal throttling even in heavy workloads (AnandTech, Phison Blog)
👍 Pros & Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact, lightweight & well‑built | Higher idle power, slower sleep |
| Native U18 controller—great performance consistency | No built‑in encryption or IP rating |
| TLC NAND, even at 4 TB capacity | Slightly pricier than bridge‑based drives |
| Includes dual cables & S.M.A.R.T + TRIM support | 3‑year base warranty (5 y with registration) |
🎯 Who It’s For
This is an excellent pick for:
Video creators needing sustained write speed for large footage
On‑the‑go pros craving portable and rugged external storage
General users wanting a fast backup drive without QLC downsides
Less ideal for ultimate speed seekers (e.g. PCIe bridge + NVMe), or those needing features like hardware encryption, rugged casing certifications, or software bundles.
💵 Pricing Insight
1 TB: ~$120 (street price)
2 TB: ~$200
4 TB: ~$450–500
Street prices, particularly on 1TB/2TB models, give strong value, especially against QLC-equipped alternatives (Sabrent, TweakTown, StorageReview.com, AnandTech, Sabrent, Sabrent).
🔚 Final Thoughts
The Rocket nano V2 crafts a stellar balance of speed, size, and value. Powered by Phison’s native U18 controller, it delivers impressive real-world consistency in sustained operations, in a rugged and stylish package. While not the overall fastest, it’s arguably one of the most well-rounded 20 Gbps external SSDs you can buy.
For anyone needing class‑leading portability and sustained performance, the nano V2 stands out as a top-tier option.
TL;DR: A tiny powerhouse powered by Phison U18, delivering excellent sustained performance and real-world speed consistency—minus gimmicks and with just enough features to satisfy pros.
Let me know if you'd like performance graphs, comparisons, or help picking between storage options!
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